Fallen society, authoritative new governments, alien invasion, cruel districts, or any other type of altered world setting. Dystopian stories place you in imaginative worlds where life can be hard. They ignite your sense of survival while pushing the idea of hope to its limits. Young adult readers devour this sub-genre because we love to root for the underdog striving for a better life.

We all know about The Hunger Games, Divergent, Legend, The Giver, and so on. This article focuses on the best dystopian reads that you might not have heard of yet. Gripping tales of adventure and wonder. Science fiction stories that make you think!

Kaylin has the ability to Push, and this ability is so powerful it can actually change reality. But this also makes Kaylin a valuable target for the sector groups, who want to take powerful youths by force and use them to rebuild the collapsed American society. Kaylin has been on the run for the past six years, keeping her powers a secret. But when she rescues a young man, she exposes her powers to the world. Now everyone knows, and she can’t hide anymore.

What do the readers say?

“The power to “push” helped me love this book! The story concepts and world-building were awesome. The dystopian world was set up really well. The protagonist, Kaylin, was really believable and you could feel her emotions. The writing was good and it was a fast read which I love. I just hope the second book doesn’t take forever to be released.” – Wasisnt, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

A genetic experiment has nearly wiped out the entire human race, leaving nothing but bodies littering the streets and tribes warring with each other. And then, of course, there are the zombie-like modifieds. No one can save the world. No one, that is, but Alicia, for whom the future hasn’t even happened yet. But she’s reluctant to change it, especially since she’s fallen in love with a guy from the future, and can’t bear to think that he’ll disappear if she changes everything.

What do the readers say?

“Page turning. Keeps you wanting to read more. Makes you think, trying to figure out the next move as far as what would be logical. Very interesting possibilities. Will they do something horribly devastating to one family to prevent something disastrous for billions? Sacrificing one for the good of many? I’ll be waiting to see the end result” –Cindy Ploesser, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Romy’s a genetically engineered soldier, but she’s living a pretty normal life for someone like that. Her duties include gathering space junk and repelling alien invaders who want to get to the uninhabited – and uninhabitable – Earth. But then her crew gets involved with a terrifying alien mothership, Romy’s forced to return to Earth before the planet is ready to welcome back any of its people. What she discovers on the planet, however, is against everything she’s ever been taught.

What do the readers say?

“Even though this is a SciFi, it doesn’t feel like a typical one. It’s got so much heart in it. That is what I love. I am generally not a fan of this genre but I will read any book written by Kelly St. Clare. She has become one of my favorite authors. 2017 seems really far away to read the sequel.” – Vagoyal, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Seven is the last of the Untamed left on earth. But being Untamed isn’t the best thing ever. She has to stick by rigid rules, like having to stay away from the Enhanced, always having to obey your leader, and never switching sides. But things change for her after raiding an Enhanced city. She gets caught in the hands of the enemy, and has to escape before she gets a taste of the chemicals that the Enhanced use. But being exposed to the Enhanced begins challenging her beliefs, and now she must make a stand, as the War of Humanity goes underway.

What do the readers say?

“The writing here is excellent, far above the quality of most indies, and I could definitely tell how much work Dyer put into making sure it was publish-ready. I really appreciate that. I do wish that a bit more had actually happened in the book, but I think it’s well set up for the sequel (I don’t know when that’s scheduled to come out) and I’ll definitely pick up the next book when it arrives. This was a solid young adult dystopian novel, and while it wasn’t my absolute favorite, I think it’s definitely worth a read.” – Chelsea Heidt, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Elena Martinez has to find a job before she turns eighteen, or else she’ll be homeless. So she gets pretty lucky when the Aether Corporation extends an offer to her, along with the other recruits, Adam, Chris, Trent, and Zoe. The job is to get back data from the future. The pay is incredibly impressive – Elena will be set for life if she gets it done. But not everything is right when they finally arrive in the future, and they’re forced to do the one thing they’re absolutely not allowed to do: find out what their fates are. They only have one day to return to the present and stop the future from happening. But meddling with time presents huge consequences. Elena must learn who to trust, in a fight that will shape the future.

What do the readers say?

“Overall, I was thoroughly delighted with this novel, which I know I will re-read sometime in the near future! It’s really got everything — romance, a very detailed future scenario, mystery, and nail-biting suspense! I’m SO anxiously looking forward to the release of “Future Threat”, the next installment in this very exciting, amazing series!” – Maria Behar, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Mia’s in her final year in Whispering Woods High, and she’s determined to do one thing this year: find her brother. So when her science project opens a portal to another dimension and accidentally reveals to her that travelers are moving in and out of the woods in the strangest manner. And that government agents Regulus and Arizona are overseeing this operation. Mia needs to know if they know something about her brother’s disappearance. But the mysterious Regulus seems to be more interested in Mia and her secrets. Mia’s suddenly not sure what’s really happening, or if she could even trust Regulus – someone to whom she’s completely drawn.

What do the readers say?

“Brinda also has a thoroughly engaging story. She has an amazingly detailed world and has done a lot of impressive world-building to allow the reader to feel its authenticity. I think that this book would appeal to readers of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi or perhaps those who love strong female characters with paranormal powers (and mysterious men). All I can say is, I hope Brinda is working on a sequel.” – Michael Offutt, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

In 2330, the humans are divided into two: the purebloods, who are the masters, and the modded, who are the servants. Everyone is expected to know their place and not cross any lines set. But then a violent death happens at the Bronze District, and it becomes the opportunity for Annalise of the Divinity PD to prove her worth as a member of the Human Possession Department. She’s determined to succeed, because if she doesn’t, her father will have to marry her off. So to Annalise, the case must be solved whatever the circumstances, and she’ll have to pull out all the stops to conclude it. But the politics is dirty and the secrets are plenty, and her feelings for her servant are becoming a nuisance. Annalise must do everything to solve the case, and see the next one.

Seventeen-year-old August is a soldier of the Foundation, the government reigning over Belstrana. And being a soldier, August has seen – and done – terrible things to the people of Belstrana, without understanding the extent of what he’s doing. But an accident awakens August and three of his companions, and the last thing they want to do is to submit to the government. Now, at the forefront of a rebellion, August must find a way to make the Foundation topple. It seems unlikely that they’ll win the battle, but they know that a crack in the wall is all they need.

What do the readers say?

“Wow! I was hooked from the start! An intelligent, gripping novel that I couldn’t put down. Found that I quickly became “involved” with the characters and their plight. Laura Wadsworth Carter has a polished writing style that transports the reader right into the action! The Elect is a superb book that leaves you hungry for a sequel!” – Laurie S., Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Jane is a chosen one, a vampire who must feed on human raised as cattle, and who must continue the vampire race. But she is tired of the decadent life that the chosen ones are leading, and tired of being a pawn. With fierce determination, she seeks to topple the reign of the vampires. With the aid of other chosen ones, and the mysterious and alluring Thanatos, she must find a way to defeat the other vampires. But first of all, she must leave everything she knows, and ultimately learn how to trust herself.

What do the readers say?

“I stayed up most of the night to read the entire book. Recommending all book readers to read this series. Why not give this book 5 stars if it’s well deserved. Thanks for another hit series. Now, I have to sit and wait for the next one. Patience is definitely a virtue.” – jazzlady, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Juliette’s touch is fatal, and she doesn’t know why. But she knows that it’s trouble. Because of it, the Reestablishment wants her to be their weapon. But Juliette doesn’t want to be one, and it’s this that’s fueling her determination to fight back.

What do the readers say?

“To me this book was more of a set up for the other books. Don’t get me wrong, this book was AMAZING! The characters were authentic and were able to be empathize with. And there were so many twist and turns that I was shouting a couple times. But I have a feeling that things about to get real interesting in the next books. I am definitely excited to see where the character Juliet will go from here… The ending was a nice wrap up and it leaves you wanting to know where the characters will go from there.” – Octavia Mason, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

An accident leaves Sloane Muster incredibly traumatized, and now she’s doing her best to start over, in a different school, surrounded by different people. But there, she sees Luke Naughton, a swimmer that she knows – and had a crush on – in the same class as hers. She tries to smile at him and be friendly, but he only looks at her with revulsion and contempt. Sloane realizes that she can’t escape the conflicts and the scars, and must deal with this new life that she’s leading.

What do the readers say?

“Whilst supposedly targeted at young adults, this is a book that is so well written and moving that I believe it will appeal to adults as well – it certainly did to me! I can’t praise this enough and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending it – I will certainly be looking out for other books by this talented author in future!” – Splashes Into Books, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Callie is turning seventeen, and that means she’s going to receive her vision soon. It’s going to tell her what she’s meant to do in life – something that the others have experienced on their own seventeenth birthdays. People have become great swimmers or famous scientists, but Callie’s future is far different from what she’s expected: the life of a criminal. Callie is arrested now for murdering her younger sister in the future, and the only person who can help her out is her childhood crush, Logan. He succeeds in breaking her out, but Callie’s not certain she could trust him. But she has no choice but to run away with him, with the government on her tracks. All Callie wants is to keep her sister safe and prevent the future from happening, and being away is the only thing she can do.

What do the readers say?

“Forget Tomorrow was a gorgeous, refreshing story that was restored my faith in dystopian. Filled with action, adventure, romance, amazing characters and a heartfelt storyline that you can connect with. What I loved about this book is at the beginning you are thrown into this world, there’s no unnecessary build up, you’re hooked from the very beginning with this unpredictable plot and then left shocked and surprised by the clever cliffhanger ending.” –Cody @ Literary-ly Obsessed, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Blackstone Technologies has changed the world, eliminating disasters and poverty and creating technology that alters the very lives of the people. And Infinity “Finn” Blackstone is the daughter of the corporation’s CEO, but she hasn’t even seen him yet. But when Finn starts having mysterious, eerie dreams, she knows that she has to talk to her father to find some answers. When Finn and some others are invited by the Blackstone higher-ups, Finn takes this as the opportunity to talk to her father. But their trip descends into chaos, as an AI goes berserk and goes on a killing spree. Trapped inside a building with her friends and a killer AI, Finn must rely on her dreams to find a way out.

What do the readers say?

“This story has my mind blown! I’m one of those people that always thinks about crazy scenarios and what if’s. So I truly enjoyed this book! To wonder what it’d be like if we had crazy technology like I read about in this book . It really was amazing and has me thinking that one day, maybe such unbelievable things will be possible if they already haven’t managed to develop such technology already! I can’t wait to read the 2nd book.” – Amanda, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Sadie Owens knows that, with the kind of life that she’s living, the only person she can trust is herself. Hated by her own family and betrayed by the government, all Sadie really wants is a better life. So when she’s selected to be part of the government’s new experiment involving Thalassic City, the city under the sea, she becomes incredibly excited. She meets new people – including the captivating Logan Chandler. And suddenly life seems to be looking up. But she doesn’t know if she can trust Logan, and her friend Jenna is beginning to transform. With the help of the newcomer Jarod, she tries to uncover the secrets that are hidden by the government, and understand why strange things are happening.

What do the readers say?

“I found myself so connected to each and everyone one of the characters in some way. I felt their emotions just as they did. Even Dante who I couldn’t stand seems to be have a hidden personality that I want to get to know. I don’t know how Siobhan can write with such a flow, but she has easily stolen my first place spot for Favorite Author. Her characters have depth, her worlds have such detail, and the ideas just make sense.” –A. Hodges, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Bianca has lived a safe, sheltered life all of her eighteen years. Staying at Tabula Rasa School, where she is protected from the Internet, Bianca has no idea how certain types of technology work. She doesn’t know how to text or go online, and people like her are deemed valuable by some that they’re sold to the people who would buy them. Bianca is sold to Cal McNeal, who wants to use her for personal gain, but soon discovers – and is surprised – by how obedient Bianca is. With the years spent in Tabula Rasa, Bianca’s mind has virtually gone blank and unable to function. And when she finally could, she’s already trapped. Freedom lies in the Internet, and that’s the only way she could go.

What do the readers say?

“Exciting, action-packed, full of suspense. I found that this book didn’t cleave to a predictable, routine format, so I was constantly being surprised by what developed. I even had suspicions of certain characters, who turned out to be different than I supposed. The author uses the filter of Blanca’s naive and inexperienced point of view to make certain plot twists even more effective. Then Blanca begins to learn and change, so the reader can discover how things really are, right along with her.” – Gigi, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Malencia Vale is graduating, and the entire Five Lakes Colony is there to celebrate the event. Cia is anxious and waiting to see if she’ll be chosen for the Testing, a United Commonwealth program which selects only the best graduates to be future leaders that help regrow the post-war civilization. And Cia is picked – but she doesn’t leave without the advice from her father, who went through the Testing himself. Knowing his nightmarish memories and warnings, Cia goes to Tosu City, where danger – and maybe romance – await.

What do the readers say?

“This is a book that takes a genre and twists it into its very one genre. The characters are interesting and make for a story that will keep the reader guessing just who is who and who can Cia trust. The twists and turns the story takes will keep readers on their toes as they try to figure out what will happen next and just how it will turn out. It will also have readers eagerly reaching for the other two books in the trilogy so they can find out just where the books will ultimately end up and how they will get there.” – Larena Hubble, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

The 5th wave has come, and Cassie knows that she has to escape from Them, who look human but would kill anyone who happens to pass by. The last of the earth’s survivor’s have scattered, and staying alone is Cassie’s only chance to survive. But then Cassie meets Evan Walker, who’s the only person Cassie could trust if she wants to rescue her brother and herself. So Cassie must choose between going on or giving up.

What do the readers say?

“I think if you are looking to be blown away by a science fiction book but have been apprehensive about trying them, give The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey a shot. It is exciting. It is emotional. It is compelling. It is smart. There’s a lot of hype for The 5th Wave and honestly, that hype is not undeserved. Recommended for readers looking for their next young adult fix.” – April,Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

June is a prodigy who’s being groomed to get into the ranks of the Republic’s elite military circles. Day, meanwhile, lives in the slums, and is the Republic’s most wanted criminal. Coming from different walks of like, there’s very little chance that June and Day would meet, but when June’s brother is murdered, everyone points to Day as the primary suspect. Now June and Day are in a game of cat-and-mouse, June determined to catch Day and Day just trying to run for his family’s survival. But both discover the truth that made them meet, and the fact that the country has so many secrets to discover.

What do the readers say?

“The story here Lu creates has such a unique feel. I felt like I was watching a movie while reading, with such vivid fighting scenes. Legend is full of action and I most definitely love that aspect. I feel that when an author is writing a dystopian, action is a must and Lu expertly executes what is desired by her readers. With surprising twists and an unexpected romance, Legend is a perfect for debut for Marie Lu and a perfect beginning to an amazing trilogy. Now, I must re-read Prodigy and Champion. Reviews to come!” – Irene, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction by something they don’t understand, and now the descendants of the original survivors are living above the clouds, on the peak of a mountain. The relatively peaceful and safe existence that they’ve had so far is changing, however, as they discover that someone is poisoning their water supply from below. Now the community has to send an expedition to investigate what’s happening below, and face the monster that almost wiped out the human race.

What do the readers say?

“So if you like dystopian fiction, like the pace and fun of young adult books, but want something a little more original and a little thought provoking, read this book. Read it for the world you will find yourself immersed in. Read it for the beautiful, hindsight perspective on today’s world. Read it for fun.” – Ian Palkovitz, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Aria has been exiled from her home, the city of Reverie, and she knows that her chances for survival in the wasteland called the Death Stop are extremely slim. But then Aria meets the savage Outsider, Perry, and she knows that he’s the only one who can help her stay alive. Perry, a hunter for his tribe, meanwhile sees Aria as fragile and therefore needs protection – as any Dweller needs – but he also needs Aria’s help. She’s the only way for his redemption.

What do the readers say?

“I loved this series!! I’m not a young adult but I read a lot of young adult books. I love the dystopian/alternate world themes. Some hit it-some don’t. This did. I loved the world building. I loved the characters. I loved the story. I hated for the series to end.” – TraceyS, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Pressia lives behind a barbershop with her grandfather, and doesn’t remember much about the world Before, before the Detonations happened. She dreams about what the world has lost – the parks, the theaters, the happiness and the birthdays, all ground to dust and ashes, and runs away when she needs to turn herself over to the militia or become a soldier. Partridge lives in the Dome, a safe haven. His father may be one of the most influential men in the dome, but Partridge himself feels lonely and isolated, and feels shut in and suffocated by the rigid Dome. So when Partridge hears that his mother might be alive, he runs away. Partridge and Pressia meet, and their worlds change and shatter again.

What do the readers say?

“Baggott has constructed a fascinatingly horrible post apocalyptic world where glimmers of beauty, hope and goodness still exist. Her characters, though flawed, keep you rooting for them and her pacing keeps driving the story forward, making you read well past bedtime.” – Janet Schrum, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown, a town populated only by men, and he’s the only boy among the adults. They’re all affected by the Noise germ, which causes them to hear what everyone else is thinking. In just a month, Todd will be a man too, but he’s unnerved by the secrets that the town is hiding. He runs away with his dog, Manchee, pursued by men from the town, and discovers something – or someone – he’s never expected to see. A girl. And the girl can’t hear his thoughts.

What do the readers say?

“I love how it is futuristic yet still feels like it is in the past. The language is unique, and I understand why, so it was just something to get used to. The ending was a huge cliff hanger and I can’t wait to read to second one. I love how throughout the story Pretinsstown had a history that slowly revealed itself so it wasn’t as shocking but still something that came out of nowhere. I also loved how each character had a nice background that went past the story and helped us learn more about them.” – CH1411, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Marci Guerrero is a teenager. She’s also a hacker. One of the best in Seattle. But she also gets possessed by spirits that make her do things, and it usually happens at inopportune times. While Marci spies on the group called IgNiTe, she meets their leader James McCray, who makes the spirits in her head stir and go crazy. She’s able to control them, though – which impresses James, who promptly recruits her. It is then that she learns that half of the world’s population is like her – possessed by parasites, which may take over the brain and control the host. And now Marci has to deal with this terrifying truth.

What do the readers say?

“There’s something for everyone in this story; science fiction, fantasy, romance, and even laughter. The plot is full of depth that pulls you under and makes you wish you’d taken a deep breath first. You will not regret picking up a copy of Ignite the Shadows if you’re a fan of this genre. I may actually be reading it again in the future, which says a great deal because I can count on my fingers (no need for toes) how many times I’ve re-read a book.” – Toni @ My Book Addiction, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Amy has been cryogenically frozen to board the spaceship Godspeed and participate in the Project Ark Ship, a plan to inhabit the new planet Centauri-Earth. But Amy, who’s supposed to wake up when Godspeed has already landed, is revived from her frozen state half a century before the scheduled time. Waking up in a new, closed world ruled by Eldest, Amy wants to find out why she woke up before she had to. And Amy gets the help of Elder, Eldest’s heir, who’s finds her fascinating. Amy’s not certain if she can trust Elder, but he’s the only one who can help her uncover the secrets of the ship, and of Godspeed. And the clock is ticking, especially since Amy learns that someone tried to kill her in her cryo chamber.

What do the readers say?

“I also really liked how, unlike a majority of young adult novels out now, this one didn’t completely focus on a love story. Yes, there was technically a “love” interest, but that never dominated the story line. And let me just say, Elder was all kinds of adorable. I loved how his feelings were so new to him, that they went against everything he was taught. The way he dealt with these and also the crumbling of the truths he thought he knew were very interesting to read.” –Jenn Goetz, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

“This is one example of a YA dystopia that is a cut above the rest. The main character is believable, and the story (although not completely original) is told in gruesome detail. A recommended read for any fan of the dystopia genre!” – Daniel, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Nailer is part of the light crew, and his job is to scavenge copper wire and hopefully meet the day’s quota. It’s a difficult life for the people living along America’s Gulf Coast, where grounded oil tankers are taken apart piece by piece for whatever salvageable parts can be taken. But one day, Nailer finds a beautiful clipper ship beached by a hurricane, and now Nailer must decide whether he’s going to scrap it, or rescue the beautiful – and lone – survivor of the ship, who may be the key to a better life.

What do the readers say?

“What impressed me no end was how well [Bacigalupi] plunges the reader into a life of extreme poverty. As I was reading about Nailer’s life, I thought, we don’t need to wait for a dystopian society to see people living like this. It’s real, and it’s happening now, and I think any middle class teenager could benefit from thinking about how some kids have to grow up. It’s shocking, and startling, and the line between the haves and the have nots is bigger than the Grand Canyon. I got all riled up, and it’s my hope that other readers do too.” – Mrs. Baumann, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

In a world where sexual slavery is a legal business, Lila Velez just wants her virginity to be lost before she’s taken away to lose it by force. And she wants her only friend to be the one to take it, because he’s the only one who’s ever shown her affection. But she meets Aleksey Furst, a broody man who offers Lila an alternative. Lila doesn’t know if she can trust him, but she believes she has very little choice in the matter. Lila begins to welcome the hope that Aleksey has presented, but it also makes her and her heart more vulnerable, and she knows it.

What do the readers say?

“‘The V Girl’ is about changing your own destiny, fighting for your rights, falling in love in such desperate times and what it means to be human. It’s dark, unique and addictive. I demand more, Mya!” – Erin Plaice, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Matthew and Ariel live in Safe, an underground shelter for those who want to escape the dangers from Above. People like him, and Ariel, whose bees wings have fallen, and Whisper, who can talk to ghosts, and Jack Flash with the lightning shooting from his fingers. It’s a haven for all of them – until an old enemy starts invading the Safe. Only Matthew, Ariel, and a few of their friends manage to escape. Without a place to call home, Matthew is determined to make a new one. Not just for himself, but for Ariel, as well.

What do the readers say?

“Bobet writes with a dazzling and unique style that makes Above simply impossible to put down. Her characters are captivating and complex and lead readers through a beautiful and wonderfully disturbing tale. The mix between horror and urban fantasy in this book left me breathless, yet the connection to human morals and the way we live our lives is what makes this book stick with you long after you’ve finished, and the uniqueness of the plot was a breath of fresh air. Wonderful read! I could not put it down!” – MadelineF, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]

Tommy and Careen are teenagers whose lives have been lived in a world entirely controlled by Civilian Restrictions. There’s no social media, no public gatherings, no sporting events, and no concerts. Only selected adults have privileges – and all of this is because the Office of Civilian Safety and Defense believe these are the kinds of measures that need to be taken to protect the public from terrorism. But a new terrorist threat looms: airborne chemical weapons. The OCSD are prepared to administer an antidote, but the threat of the attack remains. In the middle of this are Tommy and Careen, as they uncover secrets and lies hidden by the government, and as they ultimately join the resistance group whose goal is to expose what is true.

What do the readers say?

“An absolute page turner from the very beginning. Once I started, I could not stop until the end. The characters were greatly depicted, making them very vivid the entire time. Although I loved the main characters, my favorite is the highly intelligent, beautiful, strong willed, and free thinking Dr. Trina Jacobs. I was a high school teacher for several years, and have read many dystopian thrillers. Unlike some of the others, there is never a dull moment in Counteract. The beginning is action packed and is carried throughout the whole book. I love it and cannot wait for the next one!” – Julie, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]